Extension Needs of Arabica Coffee Production for Farmers in Phu Kha Sub-district, Pua District, Nan Province

Abstract

The purposes of this research were to study (1) socio-economic conditions, (2) Arabica coffee production conditions, and (3) extension needs of Arabica coffee production. The population of this study was 130 Arabica coffee farmers, Phu Kha Subdistrict, Pua District, Nan Province who registered as economic crop producers in the production year of 2022/2023 with Department of Agricultural Extension. Structured interviews were used for data collection. Statistics used were frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and ranking. The results of the research found that most of farmers were male with an average age of 54.55 years old. The average members in household were 2.79 persons. They had Arabica coffee production experience of 5.56 years on average. Their average household income was 74,053.85 baht per year and an average household debt of 8,000.00 baht per year. Most farmers get their varieties from purchasing companies, and use the method of propagation by planting seeds. They mainly use rainwater for cultivation, and no chemicals were used to prevent weeds, diseases and insects. Farmers were the greatest need for extension of  Arabica coffee production at the highest level 2 issue on 1) insect prevention and eradication and 2) disease prevention and eradication. Therefore, officials should continuously follow up and visit farmers in the area. There was training to educate farmers on disease and insect prevention in Arabica coffee. So that farmers can use the knowledge gained in producing Arabica coffee